Computer keyboard with first and second modules having adjustable angle

ABSTRACT

An adjustable keyboard includes a first keying module situated pivotably with respect to the second keying module for providing a keyboard having improved ergonomics and comfort, and promoting improved productivity of a user. In one embodiment, the first and the second keying modules are pivotably mounted on a base assembly having fixed opposing tenting angles. In one embodiment the first and the second keying modules are mounted on a pivot link assembly configured to pivot the keying modules with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the first and the second keying modules are configured to also laterally separate. In one embodiment, first and second lift modules space a portion of the first and the second keying modules, respectively, from a supporting surface to form opposing tenting angles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/788,773, filed Apr. 19, 2007, which claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/793,528filed Apr. 19, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/872,522 filed Dec. 4, 2006, where these applications are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention is generally related to keyboards, and moreparticularly, to an ergonomic and adjustable computer keyboard.

2. Description of the Related Art

Origins of the Typewriter and Numeric Keypad

As is generally known in the field, the typewriter was invented in thelate 1800's. What is less well known is that in the early 1900's, therapid pace of industrial innovation led to credible attempts atimproving the typewriter keyboard, including splitting it into right andleft segments (e.g. McNamara, 1921 and Tyberg, 1926) and streamliningthe layout of the keys (and Dvorak, 1936). However, in spite of thenumerous improvements invented in this time period, the commercialtypewriter became standardized on the less effective Sholes' designwithout substantial changes to its geometry or the organization of thekeys.

The static design of the typewriter was probably due in part to therapidly established dependence of both workers and employers onstandardized, and “portable” methods and equipment for writtencommunications. Even though it was far from optimal by modern standards,the typewriter was a powerful productivity tool compared to writinglonghand. It took substantial practice and skill to become proficientusing a typewriter (in part because of its non-optimal design), and whenstudents and job trainees attained proficiency, there were powerfulsocial and economic forces resisting any changes that would haverequired retraining. Another phenomenon that retarded keyboard evolutionin this period was the mechanical complexity of the devices. Theequipment was limited by inflexible mechanical constraints.

The numeric keypad, which is an important part of the now-traditionalcomputer keyboard, experienced an evolutionary path independent of thetypewriter (seehttp://www.hamiltonsundstrandcorp.com/hsc/details/0,3797,CLI1_DIV22_ETI3212,00.html)

Perhaps because of the more diverse uses to which this type of devicewas subjected, or because it was simpler to learn and use a variety ofconfigurations, or because some models were highly effective forspecialized tasks, numeric keypads (adding machines) were produced in avariety of layouts through the early 1900s (see, e.g.,http://www.webcom.com/calc/). The invention of the compact 10-key addingmachine dates to 1914 (patented by David Sunstrand, seehttp://www.hamiltonsundstrandcorp.com/hsc/details/0,3797,CLI1_DIV22_ET13212,00.html, but much larger adding machines with far more keys (with columnsof numbers dedicated to each decimal position) were in use even into the1970's (see http://www.tfh-berlin.de/˜hamann/history/).

Computer Keyboards

The first computer terminal keyboards used the same typewriter-stylearrangement of keys which had been adopted by earlier teletype machines,except for the addition of several new key actions which had not existedon the typewriter. Even with the invention of the personal computer,still more new key actions were simply added to the perimeter withoutchanging the core typewriter-style layout. The first significant changeto the keyboard occurred in 1983 with the introduction of asecond-generation personal computer, the IBM XT, when the numeric keypadwas added to the right side of the keyboard.

The second significant change to the keyboard was in 1986, coincidentwith the rapidly spreading usage of computers by the majority or officeworkers and the need for faster on-screen editing and navigation. Newdedicated editing and navigational keys were added between thetypewriter section and the numeric keypad section, making these newkeyboards significantly wider still than their predecessors. This newversion of the keyboard was called “enhanced” or “extended,” and hasbecome the de facto standard for virtually all computers. For thepurposes of this discussion, this enhanced/extended keyboard design willbe called the “traditional” computer keyboard.

Evolution of Computer Mousing

Douglas Englebart invented the computer mouse in 1968 and patented it in1970 (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,541,541). However, it wasn't until theintroduction of the first APPLE® computer in the 1980's that thecomputer mouse became an important medium for interacting withcomputers. And it wasn't until the introduction by MICROSOFT® in the1990'S of the first WINDOWS®-based graphical user interface, after theevolution of the current “traditional” keyboard, that a majority ofcomputer users began to be increasingly dependent on the mouse in theircomputer work.

Increasing dependence on the mouse created problems with the widetraditional computer keyboard. Since most people are right-handed, mostcomputer users with wide traditional keyboards are forced to doextensive precision pointing and clicking while the right arm isextended beyond the right side of the keyboard. With the long-standardkey spacing of 0.75 inch, the alphanumeric section of keys isapproximately 11 inches wide, while the total width of a traditionalcomputer keyboard is ˜19 inches or more. Because all the non-alphaadditions to the traditional typewriter keyboard are to the right side,the right side of the traditional keyboard is approximately 18 inchesfrom the center of the alpha keys (effectively 36 inches in totalwidth). Assuming a typical adult shoulder width of 16 to 20 inches, theaverage right-handed user (˜80% of the population) would have to reachfor the mouse approximately 8-9 inches farther out than the idealfront-of-shoulder location.

Alternative Computer Keyboards

Alternative computer (electronic) keyboard designs began appearing inthe patent and scientific literature as early as 1964, some long beforethe invention of the personal computer (IBM, 1964; Kroemer, 1972;Einbinder 1975; Malt and Hobday 1982; Zipp et al., 1983; McCall, 1983;Nakeseko et al, 1985; Lahr, 1987). Zip et al. in 1983 documented some ofthe features associated with ergonomic keyboards. For example, theydocumented that a semi-split keyboard (with a center-back,vertically-oriented pivot point) optimally should have a front-openingrange up to approximately 30 degrees; and that tenting is optimal in therange of 10 to 20 degrees, while tenting beyond 20 degrees would causedetrimental effects for most users and tenting less than 10 degreeswould not provide maximal relaxation of the forearm muscles.

McCall and Lahr described fully-split keyboards mounted on the edge of adesk or to the arms of a chair. Lahr also described a measurementfeature for quantitatively determining the position and orientation ofthe keying modules.

The first known commercial alternative keyboard was the Maltronkeyboard, a fixed-split design with semi-concave key arrays, and withisolated thumb-operated keypads near the midline of the keyboard, whichwas produced and sold in the United Kingdom in the mid-1980s. The firstknown commercial letter-based alternative keyboard in the U.S. was theKINESIS® CONTOURED™ keyboard (similar to the Maltron), introduced in1992. This was followed by the introduction of the Comfort keyboard (afully-adjustable split keyboard mounted on a long desktop track) in late1992 and the APPLE® semi-adjustable keyboard (two conventional keyingmodules linked by center-rear pivot point, with loosely-associatedplastic palm rests), in early 1993.

Many of the published designs of the 1970's and 1980's (Kroemer, 1972;Einbinder, 1975; and Nakeseko et al., 1985) disclose partially splitkeyboards with right and left halves rotated to a fixed orientationaround a pivot point near the center rear of the keyboard. Sometimes thecenter of the keyboard was tented slightly.

Some keyboard designs commercialized in the 1990's recognized theimportance of combining separation, tenting, and palm rests with anarrow, largely symmetrical shape so the mouse could be positioned moreor less directly in front of the shoulder (e.g., the fixed-splitCONTOURED™ keyboard from Kinesis Corporation, and fixed or adjustablesemi-split keyboards from Cherry Electrical Products, Fujitsu-Siemens,and Acer).

The biggest problem with alternative keyboard designs has been achievinga balance of effectiveness (for both comfort and productivity), ease ofuse (setup and adjustment), familiarity (standard key layout), generalappearance, adaptation (minimal or no learning curve), and cost.Historically, more-effective products have had more features and moreexotic features and typically have required greater adaptation time.This, in turn, has reduced acceptance. For any two products withequivalent effectiveness, the one which is easier to set up and use withreproducible settings will be preferred as well.

Accordingly, there is a need for a keyboard that is user-adjustable forproviding a more comfortable keying position, accommodating reproducibleposition settings, and increasing adaptability and productivity whilebeing easy to manufacture and operate.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, an adjustable keyboard comprises a baseassembly having a bottom portion configured to rest on a supportingsurface, the base assembly having an upper surface with a raised centralportion relative to opposing first and second lateral ends of the baseassembly, to form opposing tenting angles with respect to the supportingsurface during use; a first keying module having a proximal end and adistal end with respect to a user, an outer lateral end laterallyopposing an inner lateral end, an upper portion and a lower portion, theupper portion being configured to operatively retain a plurality of keysthereon and the lower portion being configured to be positionableadjacent a first portion of the upper surface of the base assemblyextending between the raised central portion and the first lateral end;a second keying module having a proximal end and a distal end withrespect to the user, an outer lateral end laterally opposing an innerlateral end, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portionbeing configured to operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon andthe lower portion being configured to be positionable adjacent a secondportion of the upper surface of the base assembly extending between theraised central portion and the second lateral end; a first couplingmember configured to pivotably couple the first keying module to thebase assembly to allow the user to selectively pivot the first keyingmodule toward and away from the second keying module for separating theproximal end of the first keying module from the proximal end of thesecond keying module and forming a desired splay angle between the innerlateral ends of the first and the second keying modules; and a secondcoupling member configured to pivotably couple the second keying moduleto the base assembly to allow the user to selectively pivot the secondkeying module toward and away from the first keying module forseparating the proximal end of the second keying module from theproximal end of the first keying module and forming, or contributing to,the desired splay angle between the inner lateral ends of the first andthe second keying modules.

According to another embodiment, an adjustable keyboard comprises afirst keying module having a proximal end and a distal end with respectto a user, an outer lateral end opposing an inner lateral end, an upperportion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured tooperatively retain a plurality of keys thereon; a second keying modulehaving a proximal end and a distal end with respect to the user, anouter lateral end opposing an inner lateral end, an upper portion and alower portion, the upper portion being configured to operatively retaina plurality of keys thereon; and a pivot link assembly configured topivotably couple the first keying module to the second keying moduletoward the distal ends thereof to allow for separation of the proximalend of the first keying module from the proximal end of the secondkeying module to form a desired splay angle between the respective innerlateral ends of the first and the second keying modules.

According to yet another embodiment, an adjustable keyboard comprises afirst keying module having a proximal end and a distal end with respectto a user, an outer lateral end opposing an inner lateral end, an upperportion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured tooperatively retain a plurality of keys thereon; a second keying modulehaving a proximal end and a distal end with respect to the user, anouter lateral end opposing an inner lateral end, an upper portion and alower portion, the upper portion being configured to operatively retaina plurality of keys thereon; a first lift module configured to befixedly coupled with respect to the lower portion of the first keyingmodule toward the inner lateral end of the first keying module forspacing the inner lateral end from a resting surface and configured toform at least one tenting angle between the lower portion of the firstkeying module and the resting surface, the tenting angle diverging fromthe outer lateral end of the first keying module toward the innerlateral end; and a second lift module configured to be fixedly couplewith respect to the lower portion of the second keying module toward theinner lateral end of the second keying module for spacing the innerlateral end from a resting surface and configured to form at least onetenting angle between the lower portion of the second keying module andthe resting surface, the tenting angle diverging from the outer lateralend of the second keying module toward the inner lateral end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an adjustable keyboard according to oneembodiment in a first state.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the adjustable keyboard of FIG. 1 in a secondstate.

FIGS. 2B-2E are isometric views of respective portions of the adjustablekeyboard of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the adjustable keyboard of FIG. 1 with onekeying module shifted.

FIGS. 3B and 3C are isometric views of a portion of the adjustablekeyboard of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are plan views of a portion of the adjustable keyboard ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of the adjustable keyboard of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a portion of the adjustable keyboard of FIG.1.

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of an adjustable keyboard according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of a portion of the adjustable keyboard ofFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a bottom view of a portion of the adjustable keyboard of FIG.8A.

FIG. 9A is a plan view of an adjustable keyboard according to yetanother embodiment.

FIGS. 9B, 10A, and 10B are isometric views of respective portions of theadjustable keyboard of FIG. 9A.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12A are bottom views of a portion of the adjustableKeyboard of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 12B is an isometric view of a portion of the adjustable keyboard ofFIG. 9A according to one aspect.

FIG. 12C is a front view of a portion of the adjustable keyboard of FIG.9A according to one aspect.

FIG. 13A is a side view of a portion of the adjustable keyboard of FIG.9A.

FIGS. 13B and 13C are isometric views of a portion of the adjustablekeyboard of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a portion of the adjustable keyboardaccording to still another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a portion of the adjustable keyboard ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an adjustable keyboard according toanother embodiment in a first state.

FIG. 17A is a side view of a portion of the adjustable keyboard of FIG.16.

FIG. 17B is a bottom view of a portion of the adjustable keyboard ofFIG. 16.

FIG. 17C is an isometric view of the adjustable keyboard of FIG. 16 in asecond state.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a key layout for a keyboard according toanother embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or“in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, in which anadjustable keyboard 100 comprises a first keying module 102 and a secondkeying module 104, at least one of which is pivotably mounted on a baseassembly 106, allowing it to pivot toward and away from the other of thefirst and the second keying modules 102, 104. In one embodiment, boththe first and the second keying modules 102, 104 are pivotably mountedon the base assembly 106. The base assembly 106 includes a proximal basemodule 108 slidably coupled to a distal base module 110, with respect toa user of the adjustable keyboard 100. In one embodiment, the front basemodule 108 may slide rearward to a position such that a portion thereofoverlaps or slides under a portion of the distal base module 110, asillustrated in FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the adjustable keyboard 100 may compriseoptional first and second palm rests 112, 114 removably coupled to thefirst and the second keying modules 102, 104, respectively, toward aproximal end thereof, with respect to the user of the adjustablekeyboard 100. Since the proximal base module 108 is slidably coupled tothe distal base module 110, the user can selectively extend the proximalbase module 108, thus providing additional support to the first and thesecond palm rests 112, 114, when installed. When the palm rests 112, 114are removed, the proximal base module 108 may be pushed back to slideunder the distal base module 110 to reduce the work space occupied bythe extended proximal base module 108. One of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that instead of the two palm rests 112, 114, a unitarypalm rest that is removable or fixed can be used. Also, the first andthe second palm rests 112, 114 may be fixedly attached to the first andthe second keying modules 102, 104.

FIG. 2B illustrates the first base module 108 and the second base module110 in a pre-assembled state. The first and the second base modules 108,110 may be slidably coupled via at least one set of complementing firstand second structures 107, 109, which when engaged allow one of thefirst and the second base modules 108, 110 to slide with respect to theother of the first and the second base modules 110, 108. For example, asshown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B, the first structure 107can be a protrusion or tab 107 configured to slidably engage the secondstructure 109, which can be a slot that is elongated in a directionalong which the first base module 108 may slide. The embodiment of FIG.2B includes two sets of complementing first and second structures 107,109. Other configurations are possible.

Additionally, or alternatively, the first base module 108 may include analignment pin 113 configured to slidably engage an alignment slot 115formed in the second base module 110. The alignment pin 113 and thealignment slot 115 may be formed toward a lateral central portion 111 ofthe base assembly 106. Furthermore, the illustrated base assembly 106includes a raised portion formed toward the lateral central portion 111,which extends from proximate the proximal end to proximate the distalend of the base assembly with respect to the user. Therefore, an uppersurface of the base assembly 106 laterally diverges from the lateralcentral portion 111 toward opposing lateral ends 148 of the baseassembly 106 for forming opposing tenting angles β. Accordingly, thebase assembly 106 typically elevates central (or medial) portions of thekeying modules 102, 104 while maintaining outer lateral ends of thekeying modules 102, 104, laterally opposing the inner lateral ends 151,lower than the inner lateral ends 151. However, the outer lateral endstypically are not so low that they contact a work surface when a maximumpivoting of the first and the second keying modules 102, 104, isselected in such a way as to change an attitude of the keying modules ormake the unstable.

FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate the first base module 108 and the second basemodule 110 in an assembled state. FIG. 2C illustrates the base assembly106 in a compressed state before the first base module 108 is extendedto support the first and the second palm rests 112, 114 (FIG. 2A). FIG.2D illustrates the base assembly 106 in an extended state after theprotrusion 107 travels and/or slides along the slot 109. As illustratedin FIG. 2D, the second base module 110 may include at least one recessedportion 117 configured to facilitate grasping the first or the secondkeying modules 102, 104 and lifting the grasped keying module 102, 104away from the base assembly 106 when the keying module is mounted on thebase assembly 106 as will be described in more detail below.Additionally, or alternatively, the second base module 110 may include arear holding portion 119, such as a recess or a handle, configured tofacilitate lifting the entire adjustable keyboard 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2A)and/or the base assembly 106.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, in one embodiment, the adjustablekeyboard 100 comprises a first pivot pin 116 and a second pivot pin 118for pivotably mounting the first and the second keying modules 102, 104,respectively. FIG. 3A illustrates the adjustable keyboard 100 of FIG. 1with the first keying module 102 dismounted to reveal the first pivotpin 116. The first and the second pivot pins 116, 118 pivotably mountthe first and the second keying modules 102, 104 to the base assembly106 and allow the user to adjust a front opening or splay angle α(FIG. 1) between the first and the second keying modules 102, 104. Atypical range for the front splay angle α is between 0 to 30 degrees.

The first and the second pivot pins 116, 118 can be anchored using anysuitable method. For example, the first and the second pivot pins 116,118 can be anchored by being fixedly attached to the second base module110 via an adhesive, a coupling member, being formed from a unitary bodyof material with the second base module 110, any combination thereof, orany other suitable anchoring method.

In one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the first and thesecond pivot pins 116, 118 can be anchored against a lower surface orunderside of the second base module 110. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, thefirst and the second pivot pins 116, 118 may be positioned and oraligned via an aligning bracket 121, which is fixedly attachable to theunderside of the second base module 110. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, ananchoring bracket 123 secures the aligning bracket 121 and the first andthe second pivot pins 116, 118 in a desired position against theunderside of the second base module 110. The pivot pins 116, 118 may befabricated from plastic, composites, metals, or any other suitablematerial. In one embodiment, the pivot pins 116, 118 are fabricated fromsteel similar or adapted from a clevis or hitch pin (e.g., Hillman#881122, ¼ inch diameter).

Referring to FIG. 2A, the first and the second keying modules 102, 104may pivot an equal amount with respect to the base assembly 106. Forexample, if the splay angle α is 30 degrees, typically the 30 degrees iscalculated by contributing 15 degrees from the first and the secondkeying modules 102, 104, respectively, from the position where the firstand the second keying modules 102, 104 are positioned such that theirlateral ends are substantially parallel (i.e., when a magnitude of thesplay angle α is substantially 0 degrees). In this latter position,inner lateral ends 151 (FIG. 2A) of the first and the second keyingmodules 102, 104 are positioned adjacent one another.

Furthermore, fixed positions correlating with the splay angle α having amagnitude of 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees aredesirable in some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the baseassembly 106 may comprise at least two, or a plurality of, angle indicia122.

As illustrated in FIG. 2E, the angle indicia 122 may comprise anyindicia that can convey an indication of the magnitude of the splayangle α. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2E, the angle indiciacomprises a line 126 and a magnitude label 124, such as “10”, “20”, and“30”, appearing on opposing sides of the centerline 120.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, features may be added to a surface ofthe base assembly 106 and/or the first and the second keying modules102, 104, such as an upper surface of the base assembly 106 and/or alower surface or lower portion of the first and/or the second keyingmodules 102, 104, to prevent the splay angle α from exceeding a desiredangle. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the upper surface of the base assembly106 and the lower portion of the keying modules 102, 104 with the keysremoved to expose the lower portion. In one embodiment, the features mayinclude a first structure 128, such as a protrusion projecting from theupper surface of the base assembly 106 and configured to engage one of aseries of complementary second structures 130 such as recesses and/orholes formed in the underside or lower portion of the first and/orsecond keying modules 102, 104. When the protrusion 128 and any one ofthe recesses 130 coincide and/or engage, the corresponding first orsecond keying module 102, 104 is fixed at one of the predefinedpositions, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the first and thesecond structures 128, 130 can include a combination of complimentarystructures configured to fix the first and the second keying modules102, 104 in a desired position. For example, the first and the secondstructures 128, 130 may comprise complementary fasteners such as buttonfasteners, complementary hook and loop fasteners, a curb and a gutter, alocking mechanism, a temporary adhesive, or any other suitable structureor coupling member.

The first and the second structures 128, 130 also enable the user tocreate reproducible stop points that yield reproducible desired splayangles α. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the first andsecond structures 128, 130 respectively include a first protrusion 128and a first recess 130. In such an embodiment, to move the first or thesecond keying module 102, 104 from one position to another and changethe magnitude of the splay angle α, the user would apply gentle lateralpressure to the corresponding keying module 102, 104 such that therecess 130 slides up and over the protrusion 128 until the next (e.g.,the subsequent or preceding) recess 130 becomes coincident therewith.The size of the first and the second structures 128, 130 may varydepending on the quantity thereof. For example, in embodiments in whichthe splay angle α may be adjusted at five-degree angle intervals insteadof ten-degree angle intervals, the first and the second structures 128,130 may be smaller so that they fit next to each other. Other angleintervals are possible. Additionally, or alternatively, linear slots andround-edged ridges may be incorporated.

In some embodiments, the first and the second keying modules 102, 104may be loosely pivotably mounted onto the first and the second pivotpins 116, 118, respectively, to prevent potential damage to the firstand the second keying modules 102, 104 and/or the first and the secondpivot pins 116,118, for example when removing the first and the secondkeying modules 102, 104 from the base assembly 106. To further preventdamage, the first and second pivot pins 116, 118 may, respectively,penetrate the first and the second keying modules 102, 104 up to ashallow depth to allow easy release of the first and the second keyingmodules 102, 104 when the user desires to remove the keying modules 102,104.

FIG. 6 illustrates the first and the second keying modules 102, 104removed from the base assembly 106 and resting on a flat surface. Thefirst and the second keying modules 102, 104 may be electronicallycoupled via a linking cable 132. Alternatively, the first and the secondkeying modules 102, 104 may be in wireless communication. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the user may also adjustthe first and the second keying modules 102, 104 laterally androtationally as desired, limited by a length of the linking cable 132,in embodiments, which utilize the linking cable 132.

FIG. 7 illustrate one possible configuration for the first and thesecond palm rests 112, 114. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the first palmrest 112, and the second palm rest 114 is substantially similar andmirrors the first palm rest 114. The first and the second palm rests112, 114 comprise at least one first coupling structure 134 configuredto engage a complementary second coupling structure 136 (FIG. 1)positioned toward a proximal end of the first and second keying modules102, 104 with respect to the user, respectively. Alternatively, thefirst coupling structure 134 may be configured to slide between thefirst or the second keying module 102, 104 and the base assembly 106.The first coupling structure 134 may engage a portion of the firstand/or the second keying modules 102, 104 toward respective proximalends thereof.

In one embodiment, the palm rests 112, 114 include at least onestructure 140, such as a rib, which may be positioned diagonally and maybe straight. The rib 140 is configured to contact a portion of the baseassembly 106, for example the first base module 108, when thecorresponding first or second keying module 102, 104 is rotated to adesired splay angle α (FIG. 2A). The palm rests 112, 114 may alsocomprise optional bumpers 142 for resting against or engaging the uppersurface of the base assembly 106, which in some embodiments may be roundand fabricated from a resilient material such as rubber, plastic, orresilient composites. In some embodiments, at least one bumper 144 maynot engage or contact the upper surface of the base assembly 106.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a portion of an adjustable keyboard 200 accordingto another embodiment, which comprises a base assembly 206 that islaterally adjustable or separable in addition to supporting a pivotingof first and second keying modules 201, 202. In this manner, the frontsplay angle α (FIG. 1) can further be adjusted, customized, and/oroptimized to prevent strain on the users hands and arms, produce a morecomfortable keying position, and increase the user's productivity. Thebase assembly 206 comprises a first base module 208 having a first pivotpin 216 and a second base module 210 having a second pivot pin 218, thefirst and the second base modules 208, 210 being configured toseparately be supported on a surface. Accordingly, the user maylaterally separate or space the first base module 208 from the secondbase module 210. The first and the second keying modules 201, 202 inthis embodiment are pivotably mounted on the separated first and secondbase modules 208, 210 via the first and the second pivot pins 216, 218(FIG. 8B) in a manner similar to that described above.

The first and the second base modules 208, 210 each include a tentingangle β with respect to the surface on which they rest. In oneembodiment, the tenting angle β is formed by providing at least two ribs246 that decrease in height toward outer lateral ends 248 of each of thefirst and the second base modules 208, 210. Each of the ribs 246includes a first end supporting a surface of the first or the secondbase modules 208, 210 and a second end that rests on the surface, or onanother structure.

The base assembly 206 may further comprise a linking plate 250comprising laterally arranged slots 252 configured to securely engage atleast one coupling member 254 such as a protrusion or a tab formedtoward the second end of the ribs 246. In this manner, reproducibleseparation settings preferred by different users or the same user can beexpediently obtained prior to use.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the adjustablekeyboards 100, 200 according to one of the embodiments discussed thusfar provides users with a wide range of adjustability options to providefor a more comfortable and more productive keying position. Furthermore,the base assemblies 106, 206 allow the user to select from a wide rangeof splay angles α. Additionally, such adjustability can be achievedrapidly with the adjustable keyboards 100, 200. Furthermore, conversionmechanisms discussed above are simple to operate and manufacture.Therefore, the adjustable keyboards 100, 200 can meet needs of a varietyof computer users.

FIG. 9A illustrates a portion of an adjustable keyboard 300 according toyet another embodiment. The adjustable keyboard 300 comprises a firstkeying module 302 and a second keying module 304, both of which areconfigured to pivotably mount on a base assembly 306. The keying modules302, 304 are transparently illustrated in FIG. 9A to reveal the baseassembly 306. The first keying module 302 may comprise keys generallyassociated with a right side of a standard computer keyboard, and thesecond keying module 304 may comprise keys generally associated with aleft side of the standard computer keyboard. Other key arrangements arepossible as shown in FIG. 9A and as will be described in more detailfurther below.

FIG. 9B illustrates the base assembly 306 with both keying modules 302,304 removed. The base assembly 306 includes a raised portion formedtoward a lateral central portion 311 which extends from a proximal endto a distal end of the base assembly 306 with respect to the user. Thelateral central portion 311 is positioned laterally between opposinglateral ends 348 of the base assembly 306. Thus an upper surface of thebase assembly 306 laterally diverges from the lateral central portion311 toward the opposing lateral ends 348. Accordingly, the base assembly306 forms opposing tenting angles β, which are fixed and typicallyinclude a magnitude which is in a range between 10 degrees and 30degrees, inclusive, to provide for a more comfortable and productivekeying position as discussed above.

As illustrated in FIG. 9A, in one embodiment, the adjustable keyboard300 may comprise a first latching mechanism 356 and a second latchingmechanism 358 for pivotably coupling the first and the second keyingmodules 302, 304 to the base assembly 306, respectively. The first andthe second latching mechanisms 356, 358 are configured to form a firstand a second receptacle, which pivotably receive a first pivot pin 316and a second pivot pin 318, respectively. One of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that various latching mechanisms may be used topivotably mount the first and the second keying modules 302, 304 ontothe base assembly 306. The following discussion provides details of anexample of one such mechanism.

In one embodiment, each of the first and the second latching mechanisms356, 358 comprise a slide button 360 as illustrated in FIG. 9A. Theslide button 360 serves as an interface between the user and thelatching mechanisms 356, 358 for actuation thereof when the user desiresto mount or dismount the first and the second keying modules 302, 304onto or from the base assembly 306. The slide button 360 is fixedlyattached to a latch 362 (FIG. 10A) for movement therewith, such aslateral movement.

FIG. 10A is a detail view of the latch 362 and FIG. 10B is a detail viewof the slide button 360. In one embodiment, lateral motion of the slidebutton 360 and the latch 362 is facilitated by at least a firststructure 364 of the latch, such as a flange, a protrusion, and/or apin, engaging at least a first structure 366 of the slide button 360,such as a recess, a gutter, a hole, a receptacle, or any other suitablestructure allowing engagement of the first structures 364, 366 of theslide button 360 and the latch 362, respectively.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an underside of the first keying module 302with a bottom panel 367 (FIG. 12A) thereof removed, an underside of thesecond keying module 304 being substantially similar and mirroring theunderside of the first keying module 302. As shown in FIG. 11A, theslide button 360 is received in a receptacle 368 (FIG. 11B) formed inthe respective keying modules 302, 304, coupling toward a first end 370(FIG. 10B) thereof to the latch 362. Furthermore, the slide button 360includes a second end 372 (FIG. 10B), toward which the slide button 360is configured to rest against or be coupled to a biasing member 374(FIG. 11B), which can be a spring, such as a coil spring, a foldedresilient metal, or any other suitable biasing member. Before actuatingthe latching mechanism 356, the biasing member 374 biases the slidingbutton 360 and thus the latch 362 toward an opening 380 (FIG. 12A), suchthat a portion of a concavity 382 (FIG. 10A) formed on the latch 362laterally extends beyond a periphery of the opening 380.

When the user desires to mount the first and/or the second keyingmodules 302, 304 onto the base assembly 306 (FIG. 9B), the user insertsthe respective pivot pins 316, 318 (FIG. 9B) in the correspondingopening 380 (FIG. 12A) until a tapered portion 379 (FIG. 9B) of therespective pivot pins 316, 318 forces the portion of the concavity 382away from the opening 380, the concavity 382 clearing the opening 380and the respective pivot pins 316, 318 extending through the opening 380of each of the first and the second keying modules 302, 304. Once thepivot pins 316, 318 sufficiently penetrate the openings 380, the biasingmember 374 biases the slide button 360 and thus the latch 362 toward therespective pivot pins 316, 318, thereby securing each of the first andthe second keying modules 302, 304 against the first and the secondpivot pins 316, 318, respectively. When the user desires to dismount thekeying modules 302, 304, the user can slide the slide button 360laterally toward the biasing member 374 so that the portion of theconcavity 382 clears the opening 380, allowing the user to pull thekeying modules 302, 304 away from the base assembly 306.

The concavity 382 engages a groove 384 (FIG. 9B) formed about acircumference of each of the first and the second pivot pins 316, 318,the groove 384 being spaced from an upper end of the pivot pins 316,318, for allowing pivoting of each of the first and the second keyingmodules 302, 304 with respect to the first and the second pivot pins316, 318, respectively, and thus with respect to the base assembly 306.

Again, although one configuration of a latching mechanism is describedabove, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art thatany number of latching mechanisms could be employed. In at least oneconfiguration, the latching mechanism may be designed to yield, withoutbreaking, if the user applies a force up to a pre-determined magnitude.If a keying module 302, 304 is lifted off at an angle relative to thebase assembly 306, the respective pivot pin 316, 318 is configured torelease from the base assembly 306 without breaking and may bereinserted (once removed from the keying module) by snapping it backinto the respective openings 380 in the base assembly 306.

FIG. 12A illustrates the underside of the first keying module 302 withthe bottom panel 367 installed. The bottom panel 367 may comprise amultitude of optional features that facilitate positioning andadjustability of the first and the second keying modules 302, 304.

For example, the bottom panel 367 may comprise at least one supportmember 386, or as shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12A, foursupport members 386 that can be fabricated from a material prone toinduce friction with a mating surface such as an upper surface of thebase assembly 306. Accordingly, when the user adjusts the keying modules302, 304 to the desired splay angle α, the friction between the supportmembers 386 and the base assembly 306 maintains the keying modules 302,304 in the desired position. For example, the support members 386 may befabricated from plastic, natural or synthetic rubbers, composites, anycombination thereof, or any other suitable material. Additionally, oralternatively, complementary hook and loop fasteners may be used betweenthe bottom panel 367 and the base assembly 306 to secure the keyingmodules 302, 304 in a desired position.

Additionally, or alternatively, the bottom panel 367 may comprise atleast one, or four as illustrated in FIG. 12A, attachment bosses 388,configured to attach to an optional hinged plate 390 (FIG. 12B) atcomplementary attachment points 392, for both securing the keyingmodules 302, 304 in place and also for allowing the user to adjust thetenting angle β of the keying modules 302, 304 via the hinged plate 390.The attachment bosses 388 may be threaded protrusions or receptacles andthe attachment points 392 be complementary threaded receptacles orprotrusions, respectively. Alternatively, complementary hook and loopfasteners may be used. Other complementary attachment mechanisms arepossible. The hinge plate 390 may directly and hingedly couple to theupper surface of the base assembly 306. Alternatively, as shown in FIG.12B, the hinge plate 390 may be hingedly coupled to a base plate 373,which is fixedly attachable to the upper surface of the base assembly306 via a coupling structure 371 such as mechanical fasteners,adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, a locking mechanism, or any othersuitable coupling structure.

In this embodiment, the first and the second keying modules 302, 304 canbe used in a lower profile configuration as compared to a keying modulethat is directly attached to a base via a hinge such in application Ser.No. 11/342,286, which is incorporated herein by reference, because thehinge plates 390 are removably coupled and the hinge plates 390 can beremoved to obtain a low profile for the keying modules 302, 304.Furthermore, attaching the first and the second keying modules 302, 304to the hinged plate 390 distributes a weight of the keying modules 302,304, strengthening an attachment between the keying modules 302, 304 andthe base assembly 306.

FIG. 12C illustrates the first keying module 302 attached to the hingeplate 390 and pivoted away from the base plate 371. A spacing member 381is configured to be movable and/or pivotable, with respect to the baseassembly 306, between a first and at least a second orientation. In thefirst orientation, the hinge plate 390 and the first keying module 302are positioned adjacent a first portion of the upper surface of the baseassembly 306 between the raised portion and a first lateral end 365 ofthe base assembly 306, as illustrated in FIG. 9A. In the secondorientation, the hinge plate 390 and the first keying module 302 arespaced at an angle away from the base assembly 306, as illustrated inFIG. 12C. The hinge plate 390 or the bottom panel 367 of the keyingmodules 302, 304, can include at least one engagement structure 369configured to releasably retain the spacing member 381 at acorresponding angular orientation for retaining the first keying module302 at a corresponding desired angle with respect to the upper surfaceof the base assembly 306 for further adjusting the tenting angle.Additional engagement structures can be added to provide for retainingthe first keying module 302 at various angular orientations. Theengagement structure 369 may include a recess, a gutter, a lockingmechanism, a latch, hook and loop fasteners, button fasteners,mechanical fasteners, any combination thereof, or any other suitableengagement structure. The second keying module 302 may be similarlyadjusted.

Referring back to FIG. 12A, the bottom panel 367 may comprise a threadedreceptacle 394, which is configured to receive a complementary threadedprotrusion 396 (FIG. 9B) of the base assembly 306, such as a screw,which slidably anchors the respective keying modules 302, 304 to thebase assembly 306. The base assembly 306 comprises an arcuate slot 398(FIG. 9B) along which the threaded protrusion 396 travels. Thisattachment can supplement the attachment to the pivot pins 316, 318 andallow the user to conveniently lift the entire keyboard/fixed baseassembly from any side. Additionally, tightening the threaded protrusion396 secures the keying modules 302, 304 in the desired position.

Furthermore, the adjustable keyboard 300 may comprise a first and asecond palm rest. The first palm rest 312 is shown and the second palmrest is substantially similar to and mirrors the first palm rest 312.The first palm rest 312 can be configured to engage the first keyingmodule 302 to allow the user to lift the adjustable keyboard 300 bylifting at least one of the palm rests, for example, the first palm rest312. In one embodiment, the first palm rest 312 includes at least oneblade 327, or as shown, three blades 327, which are configured tosecurely engage respective receptacles 329 formed toward proximal endsof the first and the second keying modules 302, 304, respectively.Optional beveled protrusions 331 may also be added on the first keyingmodule 302 configured to engage respective latches 332 formed toward aportion of the first palm rest 312 that couples to the first keyingmodule 302. The beveled protrusions 331 are configured to engage thelatches 332, for further securing the first palm rest 312 to the firstkeying module 302. The first palm rest 312 may be easily removed bypulling the first palm rest 312 toward the user without requiring anyspecial motion or training.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B, in some embodiments, the base assembly 306may further include elevated features 391 (FIG. 9B), positioned forproviding support for the first and the second keying modules 302, 304and/or the palm rests, for example the first palm rest 312. The elevatedfeatures 391 can be fabricated from plastic, rubber, composites, metal,wood, or any other material suitable support the first and the secondkeying modules 302, 304.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in differentembodiments, the pivot pins 316, 318 can be fixedly secured and/orattached to the base assembly 306 via a number of methods. Examplesinclude forming the pivot pins 316, 318 from a unitary body of materialwith the base assembly 306. Alternatively, the pivot pins 316, 318 maybe adhered using various adhesives in a receptacle formed in the uppersurface of the base assembly 306.

FIG. 13A illustrates a detailed view of the first pivot pin 316according to one embodiment, the second pivot pin 318 beingsubstantially identical and mirroring the first pivot pin 316. The pivotpins 316, 318 include an engagement portion 333 for fixedly coupling tothe base assembly 306 (FIG. 13B).

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 13B, the engagement portion 333 isconfigured to engage an opening 301 formed in the base assembly 306. Asmore clearly apparent in FIG. 13C, the engagement portion 333 comprisesresilient flanges that are configured to contract and slide through theopening 301 and expand after extending therethrough, thereby engagingthe opening 301 and securely coupling to the base assembly 306. Theengagement portion 333 thus forms a spring-loaded button and latchassembly allowing the pivot pins 316, 318 to snap into the openings 301of the base assembly 306. This configuration simplifies assembly andreduces manufacturing expenses, especially when the pins are fabricatedfrom non-metals such as composites and plastic. In one embodiment thepivot pins 316, 318 may be fabricated from a material that issufficiently strong, yet flexible, or otherwise be configured to bereleased from the latching mechanisms 356, 358 and/or the base assembly306 upon experiencing a force greater in magnitude than a thresholdforce. For example, the pivot pins 316, 318 can be fabricated from athermopolymer such as Polyoxymethylene (POM) or DELRIN® to mold thepivot pins 316, 318, or any other material that is strong yet flexible.

FIG. 14 illustrates still another embodiment, in which an adjustablekeyboard 400 comprises a first keying module 402 pivotably coupled to asecond keying module 404 via a pivot link assembly 415 (FIG. 15). Asillustrated in FIG. 15, the pivot link assembly 415 includes a first pin416 and a second pin 418, respectively mounted on a first base 435 and asecond base 437, each being pivotably coupled to a fastener 417. Thefastener 417 can comprise a rivet, nut and screw, flanged pin, bearing,any combination thereof, or any other suitable fastener that secures thefirst and second bases 435, 437. Each of the pins 416, 418 comprises agroove 439 formed in an outer surface 441 thereof, the groove 439extending about at least a portion of a circumference of the respectivepins 416, 418.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 14, each of the first and the secondkeying modules 402, 404 comprise a latching mechanism 460 substantiallysimilar to the latching mechanism 360 discussed above. The two latchingmechanisms 460 are configured to fixedly engage the first and the secondpins 416, 418 in a manner similar to that described above. Except, inthis embodiment the latching mechanisms 460 fixedly couple to the firstand the second pins 416, 418 and the pins 416, 418 pivot with respect toeach other, thereby facilitating pivoting the first and the secondkeying modules 402, 404 until an splay angle α formed between the firstand the second keying modules 402, 404 widens to a desired magnitude.The splay angle α diverges toward the user to position the first and thesecond keying modules 402, 404 in an orientation that allows the user'shands to naturally extend from the user's arm, instead of having torotate at the wrist, the latter being the case with conventionalkeyboards.

In some embodiments, the latching mechanism 460 can tightly engage thefirst and the second pivot pins 416, 418, such that in a case where theuser lifts the adjustable keyboard 400 by lifting only one of the keyingmodules 402, 404, the pivot link assembly 415 remains coupled to theother of the keying modules 404, 402, for preventing the latter frombeing released and damaged. In such an embodiment, the pivot linkassembly 415 can be fabricated from a material sufficiently strong tosupport a weight of at least one of the keying module 402, 404, forexample the one that is not supported by the user when lifting. Forexample, the pivot link assembly 415 may be fabricated from athermopolymer such as POM or DELRIN®.

The pivot link assembly 415 allows the first and the second keyingmodules 402, 404 to splay, yet not completely separate for creating anergonomic keying position. Furthermore, in embodiments where the pivotlink assembly 415 is fabricated from a flexible material, the pivot linkassembly 415 further supports the keying modules 402, 404 beingpositioned with a tenting angle. Typically the amount of splay will beunlimited; however, the first and the second bases 435, 437, and/orflanges 449 thereof, can include a structure, which acts as a stop or anobstacle to limit splay to a desired or predetermined maximum magnitude,such as one that limits splay to magnitudes up to and equal to the splayangle α of 30 degrees. It is understood that if the user desires tocompletely separate the first and the second keying modules 402, 404,the user may slide the latching mechanism 460 on at least one of thekeying modules 402, 404 for releasing one or both sides of the pivotlink assembly 415.

In one embodiment, the first and the second bases 435, 437 are shortflanges extending toward a distal end of the adjustable keyboard 400,with respect to the user, and the coupling flanges 449 are short flangesextending medially for pivotably coupling to a central pivotable linksuch as pivotably coupling to the fastener 417. Furthermore, the firstand the second bases 435, 437 may comprise a curved portion formed suchthat when the first and the second keying modules 402, 404 are coupledto the pivot link assembly 415, a portion of the distal ends of thekeying modules 402, 404 nests in the curved portions of the first andthe second bases 435, 437.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, in one aspect, the adjustable keyboard 400may comprise first and second lift modules 443, 445, which areconfigured to couple toward inner lateral ends 451 of the first orsecond keying modules 402, 404, respectively. As illustrated in FIG.17A, each of the first and the second lift modules 443, 445 comprises atleast one coupling structure 447 formed toward a first end thereof, on asupport plane 463, configured to fixedly couple to the first and thesecond keying modules 402, 404 (FIG. 16), and/or to the palm rests, formaintaining the inner lateral ends 451 of the first and the secondkeying modules 402, 404 spaced from a resting surface and forming atenting angle β, as illustrated in FIG. 16. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 17A, one of the lift modules 443, 445 is shown havingtwo coupling structures 447, one for coupling to the correspondingkeying module 402, 404 and one for coupling to the corresponding palmrest.

The first and the second lift modules 443, 445, each comprise at leastone support limb 453 having feet 455 toward a second end thereof,opposing the first end. The feet 455 rest on the resting surface as thesupport limbs 453 maintain the inner lateral ends 451 (FIG. 16) of thefirst and the second keying modules 402, 404 spaced from the restingsurface. Opposing outer lateral ends 457 of the first and the secondkeying modules 402, 404, opposing the inner lateral ends 451, arepositioned on the resting surface, thereby forming the tenting angle β,as shown in FIG. 16.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17A-17C, the first and thesecond lift modules 443, 445 include a first limb 453 and a second limb465, the first and the second limbs 453, 465 being rigidly attached andconverging toward an apex to form a V-shaped configuration. Each of thefirst and the second limbs 453, 465 comprise feet 455. The first andsecond lift modules 443, 445 are pivotably coupled to the support plane463, for example via a pin 461 formed toward the apex and a slot orlatch 459 formed on the support plane 463. In such an embodiment, thelift modules 443, 445 are operable to space the inner lateral ends 451of the first and the second keying modules 402, 404 and vary a magnitudeof the tenting angle β between two distinct angles. The user can pivotthe limbs 453, 465 with respect to the support plane 463 to switchbetween the two distinct magnitudes for the tenting angle β. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 16, the user may pivot the limbs 453, 465 suchthat the support plane 463 rests against the second limb 465 and thefirst limb 453 rests on the resting surface to achieve a first magnitudefor the tenting angle β, such as 15 degrees. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 17C, the user may pivot the limbs 453, 465 such that the supportplane 463 rests against the first limb 453 or a boss 467 (FIG. 17B)formed on a surface of the first limb 453, and the second limb 465 restson the resting surface to achieve a second magnitude for the tentingangle β, such as 10 degrees. The adjustable magnitudes for the angle βcan be controlled by varying a configuration or dimension of componentsof the first and the second lift modules 443, 445 during manufacturing.These dimensions can include an angle formed between the first and thesecond limbs 453, 465, a length of the first and the second limbs 453,465, and/or a height of the boss 467.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that features may beadded to the first and the second lift modules 443, 445 to allow theuser to further adjust these dimensions. However, a configuration wherethese dimensions are fixed to allow the user to easily and expedientlyswitch between two commonly used magnitudes for the tenting angle β,simplifies manufacturing and use of the adjustable keyboard 400, therebyimproving acceptability and adaptability of manufacturers and/or userstoward the adjustable keyboard 400. Since the limbs 453, 465 arepivotably coupled to the support plane 463, the user does not need toseparate the lift modules 443, 445 from the keying modules 402, 404 whenswitching between the two magnitudes of the tenting angle β. Since suchan embodiment includes only two tenting positions, it provides a levelof simplicity, which is appealing and adequate for most computer users.Furthermore, in embodiments where the coupling structures 447 do notrequire tools for removing the first and the second lift modules 443,445, the user may easily and expediently remove the lift modules 443,445 for placing the keying modules 402, 404 on the surface withouttenting.

In one embodiment, the first and the second lift modules 443, 445 areconfigured for maintaining the tenting angle β at a magnitude in therange of approximately 10 degrees to 20 degrees, an in one aspect,between a range of approximately 10 degrees to 15 degrees. The user mayoperate the first and the second keying modules 402, 404 with the pivotlink assembly 415 (FIG. 15) and/or the first and the second lift modules443, 445, for positioning the adjustable keyboard 400 at a desired splayangle α and a desired tenting angle β. Alternatively, the user maychoose to use only use the first and the second lift modules 443, 445,removing the pivot link assembly 415, for separating the first and thesecond keying modules 402, 404 laterally or in any desired direction.Furthermore, the first and the second lift modules 443, 445 obviate aneed for a base assembly having a tenting angle; however, some users mayprefer a combination of the first and the second lift modules 443, 445and a base, for example lift modules configured to pivotably mount on abase, such as a separately tented base.

The first and the second lift modules 443, 445 also eliminate a need forusing a plate or an end hinge mechanism on the separate base assembly oron an end of the keying modules, as described above in conjunction withsome of the embodiments. Eliminating the hinge mechanisms furthersimplifies manufacturing and use of the adjustable keyboard 400.

In embodiments where both the pivot link assembly 415 and the liftmodules 443, 445 are used, the flanges 449 of the pivot link assembly415 may be fabricated from a flexible and/or resilient material, such asnatural or synthetic rubbers, polypropylene, plastics, flexiblecomposites, flexible or thin metals such as thin spring steel, silicone,any combination thereof, or any other material that can flex and havesufficient strength to not fail to accommodate the tenting angle β ofthe first and the second keying modules 402, 404. The flanges 449 may beattached to the pivot pins 416, 418, or modules respectively supportingthem, by being bonded, mechanically fastened, molded from a unitary bodyof material with the pivot link assembly 415, or coupled via a lockingmechanism having complementary engagement portions, any combinationthereof, or any other suitable method fixedly attaching the flanges 449to the pivot pins 416, 418.

Additionally, or alternatively, the fastener 417 (FIG. 15) may beloosely coupled to the flanges 449 to accommodate various tentingangles, such those discussed herein. Furthermore, the first and thesecond bases 435, 437 can comprise a low profile to prevent undesirablyraising an end of the keying modules 402, 404, such as a distal end withrespect to the user.

In addition, components of the first and the second lift modules 443,445, such as the limb 453, the support plane 463, and the couplingstructure 447, can be universal. When these components are assembledduring manufacturing, the first and the second lift modules 443, 445 canbe selectively configured, for example the first module 443 can beconfigured to act as a right-handed module and the second lift module445 can be configured to act as a left handed module.

In any of the embodiments discussed herein, the first keying modules102, 202, 302, 402 may be operatively coupled to the second keyingmodules 104, 204, 304, 404, respectively, via a linking cable and/or viaa wireless connection. Furthermore, any of the embodiments discussedherein may or may not include the removable palm rests; however, it isunderstood that palm rests having any or a combination of featuresdescribed above in conjunction with some of the illustrated embodiments,can be used with any of the first keying modules 102, 202, 302, 402 andthe second keying modules 104, 204, 304, 404.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any of the keyingmodules 102, 104, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404 discussed above maycomprise a standard keying layout according to any existing traditionalor alternative keying layouts. However, in some embodiments, the firstand the second keying modules 102, 104, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404 maycomprise a keying layout that further promotes the user's productivity.Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anyof the keying modules 102, 104, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404 maycomprise any suitable connection type for connecting for example to acomputer, such as a USB or a PS2 connection.

For example, according to one embodiment, any of the first and thesecond keying modules 102, 104, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404 discussedherein may comprise a key layout 500, illustrated in FIG. 18, which isconfigured to minimize adaptation efforts, and maximize acceptance,versatility, and productivity. The layout 500 is configured to minimizea lateral dimension 505 of each of the keying modules 102, 104, 202,204, 302, 304, 402, 404 such that the user can easily and expedientlyreach all the keys 503 and a mouse or other peripheral tools (notshown), which the user may employ without reducing the standardkey-to-key spacing. Furthermore, although some editing and modifier keys507, such as “CAPS LOCK”, “SHIFT”, and “ENTER” keys, are reduced insize, they are not significantly reduced and remain sufficiently sizedto accommodate efficient keying.

These keys are typically grossly oversized in conventional layouts.Since, most present day typists are more sophisticated as compared totypists of a time when these layouts were designed, such extremeoversizing of these keys results in a large layout without providingsignificant benefits. Accordingly, the key layout 500 of FIG. 18provides editing and modifier keys 507 that are reduced in size suchthat most or all user's can continue to efficiently, accurately, andexpediently actuate these keys while reducing space requirements toreduce the lateral dimension 505 of the keying modules 102, 104, 202,204, 302, 304, 402, 404.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that special keyactions, such as whether a SPACE key performs space or backspace action,can be selected by means of firmware (e.g., holding the FUNCTION (Fn)key and SPACE key for several seconds to toggle a predetermined action).Additionally, or alternatively, such assignment of actions to keys 503can be accommodated by means of a slide switch, for example, one whichthe user can access from a rear or underside of the keying modules 102,104, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404.

In one aspect, the key layout 500 may further comprise special actionkeys 509. The special action keys 509 may be configured to triggerfrequently used actions, which the user typically requires multiplemouse clicks or other actions to trigger. For example, the specialactions may include navigation and editing actions, such “BACK” and“FORWARD” for example for web and windows browsing, and/or “CUT” and“PASTE” for any application. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that such actions can be assigned to the special action keys509 without a need for special drivers by placing combined standard keycodes in a matrix of a microprocessor of the keying modules 102, 104,202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404. Furthermore, other special action keys 509can be added as desired.

In the following example, the first and the second keying modules referto any one or all of the first and the second keying modules 102, 104,202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404 discussed herein. In one embodiment, thekey layout 500 comprises a plurality of non-alphanumeric modifier andeditor keys including a CTRL key, at least one SHIFT key, a CAPS LOCKkey, a TAB key, an ENTER key, and a BACKSPACE key. The non-alphanumericmodifier and editor keys include a reduced size to minimize a lateraldimension 505 of the first and the second keying modules. For example,the reduced size may include a lateral dimension ranging between 0.25and 1.5 inches. Furthermore, the first keying module includes alaterally elongated DELETE key 511, for example having a dimensionbetween 0.75 and 2 inches, and positioned adjacent and toward the distalend of the first keying module with respect to the BACKSPACE key. Thefirst keying module further includes a plurality of editor keysincluding a HOME key, an END key, a PAGE UP key, and a PAGE DOWN key,which are arranged in a series between the proximal and distal ends ofthe first keying module, the series being positioned toward the outerlateral end of the first keying module with respect to the BACKSPACEkey.

Furthermore, commonly used modifiers and alphanumeric keys comprisingthe BACKSPACE key 513, a BACK SLASH key 515, the ENTER key 517, the CAPSLOCK key, the DELETE key and the SHIFT key 519, each have a ledge 521formed toward an end thereof adjacent or proximate adjacent keys such asthe series of the plurality of editor keys, the ledge 521 beingconfigured to space the commonly used modifier and alphanumeric keysfrom the series to prevent inadvertent keying of the series of theplurality of editor keys. Furthermore, the second keying modulecomprises an elongated ESC key, for example having a lateral dimensionin a range between 0.75 inch and 2 inches, and a plurality of navigationkeys comprising a BACK key, a FWD key, a SEARCH key, a HOME key, a CUTkey, a COPY key, and a PASTE key arranged in a series toward theproximal end of the second keying module with respect to the ESC key.

The key layout 500 of FIG. 18 includes one example of a key arrangement.One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various keyarrangements that also include similar resizing of the keys andincluding navigation keys as those discussed above in conjunction withFIG. 18, are within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent applicationpublications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patentapplications and non-patent publications referred to in thisspecification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, areincorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of theembodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuitsand concepts of the various patents, applications and publications toprovide yet further embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of theabove-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should beconstrued to include all possible embodiments along with the full scopeof equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, theclaims are not limited by the disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An adjustable keyboard comprising: a baseassembly having a bottom portion configured to rest on a supportingsurface, the base assembly having an upper surface with a raised centralportion relative to opposing first and second lateral ends of the baseassembly, to form opposing tenting angles with respect to the supportingsurface during use; a first keying module having a proximal end and adistal end with respect to a user, an outer lateral end laterallyopposing an inner lateral end, an upper portion and a lower portion, theupper portion being configured to operatively retain a plurality of keysthereon and the lower portion being configured to be positionableadjacent a first portion of the upper surface of the base assemblyextending between the raised central portion and the first lateral end;a second keying module having a proximal end and a distal end withrespect to the user, an outer lateral end laterally opposing an innerlateral end, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portionbeing configured to operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon andthe lower portion being configured to be positionable adjacent a secondportion of the upper surface of the base assembly extending between theraised central portion and the second lateral end; a first couplingmember configured to pivotably couple the first keying module to thebase assembly to allow the user to selectively pivot the first keyingmodule toward and away from the second keying module for separating theproximal end of the first keying module from the proximal end of thesecond keying module and forming a desired splay angle between the innerlateral ends of the first and the second keying modules; and a secondcoupling member configured to pivotably couple the second keying moduleto the base assembly to allow the user to selectively pivot the secondkeying module toward and away from the first keying module forseparating the proximal end of the second keying module from theproximal end of the first keying module and forming, or contributing to,the desired splay angle between the inner lateral ends of the first andthe second keying modules, wherein the upper surface of the baseassembly comprises a first and a second opening respectively positionedon opposing lateral sides of the raised central portion, and the firstand the second coupling members include a first pivot pin and a secondpivot pin, each extending through the first and the second openings,respectively, for fixedly attaching to an underside of the baseassembly, and wherein the first and the second pivot pins fixedly attachto the underside of the base assembly with an anchoring structureincluding an aligning bracket interposed between the first and thesecond pivot pins for maintaining a constant distance therebetween andan anchoring bracket fixedly attaching the aligning bracket and thefirst and the second pivot pins to the underside.
 2. The adjustablekeyboard of claim 1, further comprising: a first arcuate slot formed inthe first portion of the upper surface of the base assembly; a thirdcoupling member slidably coupling the first keying module to the baseassembly, the third coupling member being configured to slide along thefirst arcuate slot when the first keying module is pivoted with respectto the base assembly; a second arcuate slot formed in the second portionof the upper surface of the base assembly; and a fourth coupling memberslidably coupling the second keying module to the base assembly, thefourth coupling member being configured to slide along the secondarcuate slot when the second keying module is pivoted with respect tothe base assembly.
 3. The adjustable keyboard of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first palm rest configured to be removably coupled to theproximal end of the first keying module; and a second palm restconfigured to be removably coupled to the proximal end of the secondkeying module.
 4. The adjustable keyboard of claim 3 wherein the firstand the second palm rests couple to the first and the second keyingmodules, respectively, via a coupling structure comprising at least oneblade formed on each of the first and the second palm rests, the atleast one blade being configured to removably engage at least onereceptacle formed toward the proximal end of the first and the secondkeying modules, respectively.
 5. An adjustable keyboard comprising: abase assembly having a bottom portion configured to rest on a supportingsurface, the base assembly having an upper surface with a raised centralportion relative to opposing first and second lateral ends of the baseassembly, to form opposing tenting angles with respect to the supportingsurface during use, and the base assembly comprising a first base moduleand a second base module configured to move laterally with respect toeach other; a first keying module having a proximal end and a distal endwith respect to a user, an outer lateral end laterally opposing an innerlateral end, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portionbeing configured to operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon andthe lower portion being configured to be positionable adjacent a firstportion of the upper surface of the base assembly extending between theraised central portion and the first lateral end; a second keying modulehaving a proximal end and a distal end with respect to the user, anouter lateral end laterally opposing an inner lateral end, an upperportion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured tooperatively retain a plurality of keys thereon and the lower portionbeing configured to be positionable adjacent a second portion of theupper surface of the base assembly extending between the raised centralportion and the second lateral end; a first coupling member configuredto pivotably couple the first keying module to the base assembly toallow the user to selectively pivot the first keying module toward andaway from the second keying module for separating the proximal end ofthe first keying module from the proximal end of the second keyingmodule and forming a desired splay angle between the inner lateral endsof the first and the second keying modules; and a second coupling memberconfigured to pivotably couple the second keying module to the baseassembly to allow the user to selectively pivot the second keying moduletoward and away from the first keying module for separating the proximalend of the second keying module from the proximal end of the firstkeying module and forming, or contributing to, the desired splay anglebetween the inner lateral ends of the first and the second keyingmodules.
 6. The adjustable keyboard of claim 5 wherein each of the firstand the second base modules comprises at least one rib positionedbetween the inner and the outer lateral ends configured to space theinner lateral ends from the supporting surface.
 7. The adjustablekeyboard of claim 6, further comprising: a linking plate positionable onthe supporting surface and comprising a plurality of openings, theopenings being laterally arranged and configured to receive at least oneprotrusion formed toward an end of the ribs of the first and the secondbase modules, opposing an end of the at least one rib, which is coupledto the first and the second base modules, for maintaining the first andthe second base modules at a desired separation.
 8. An adjustablekeyboard comprising: a base assembly having a bottom portion configuredto rest on a supporting surface, the base assembly having an uppersurface with a raised central portion relative to opposing first andsecond lateral ends of the base assembly, to form opposing tentingangles with respect to the supporting surface during use; a first keyingmodule having a proximal end and a distal end with respect to a user, anouter lateral end laterally opposing an inner lateral end, an upperportion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured tooperatively retain a plurality of keys thereon and the lower portionbeing configured to be positionable adjacent a first portion of theupper surface of the base assembly extending between the raised centralportion and the first lateral end; a second keying module having aproximal end and a distal end with respect to the user, an outer lateralend laterally opposing an inner lateral end, an upper portion and alower portion, the upper portion being configured to operatively retaina plurality of keys thereon and the lower portion being configured to bepositionable adjacent a second portion of the upper surface of the baseassembly extending between the raised central portion and the secondlateral end; a first coupling member configured to pivotably couple thefirst keying module to the base assembly to allow the user toselectively pivot the first keying module toward and away from thesecond keying module for separating the proximal end of the first keyingmodule from the proximal end of the second keying module and forming adesired splay angle between the inner lateral ends of the first and thesecond keying modules; and a second coupling member configured topivotably couple the second keying module to the base assembly to allowthe user to selectively pivot the second keying module toward and awayfrom the first keying module for separating the proximal end of thesecond keying module from the proximal end of the first keying moduleand forming, or contributing to, the desired splay angle between theinner lateral ends of the first and the second keying modules, andwherein the upper surface of the base assembly comprises a first and asecond opening respectively positioned on opposing lateral sides of theraised central portion, and the first and the second coupling membersinclude a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin, each having aresilient portion configured to fixedly and removably engage the firstand the second openings, respectively, for fixedly attaching to the baseassembly.
 9. The adjustable keyboard of claim 8, further comprising: afirst latching system formed on the first keying module including afirst slide button fixedly coupled to a first latch for motion therewithbetween a first position and a second position, the first latch beingconfigured to pivotably engage the first pivot pin about a circumferencethereof when in the first position; and a second latching system formedon the second keying module including a second slide button fixedlycoupled to a second latch for motion therewith between a first positionand a second position, the second latch being configured to pivotablyengage the second pivot pin when in the first position.
 10. Theadjustable keyboard of claim 9 wherein the first slide button is fixedlycoupled to the first latch for lateral motion therewith and the secondslide button is fixedly coupled to the second latch for lateral motiontherewith.
 11. The adjustable keyboard of claim 10, further comprising:a first biasing member and a second biasing member, wherein a portion ofthe first latch obstructs a portion of the first opening when the firstlatch is in the first position, and the first slide button is configuredto shift toward the second position and against the first biasing memberwhen the first pivot pin is inserted in the first opening, the firstpivot pin shifting the latch away from the first opening for receivingthe first pivot pin therethrough; the first biasing member is configuredto bias the first slide button and the first latch toward the firstposition, the first latch being biased against and pivotably engagingthe first pivot pin, the first latch being configured to release thefirst pivot pin when first latch is shifted toward the second position;a portion of the second latch obstructs a portion of the second openingwhen the second latch is in the first position, and the second slidebutton is configured to shift toward the second position and against thesecond biasing member when the second pivot pin is inserted in thesecond opening, the second pivot pin shifting the first latch away fromthe second opening for receiving the second pivot pin therethrough; andthe second biasing member is configured to bias the second slide buttonand the second latch toward the second position, the second latch beingbiased against and pivotably engaging the second pivot pin, the secondlatch being configured to release the second pivot pin when second latchis shifted toward the second position.
 12. The adjustable keyboard ofclaim 11 wherein the first slide button is configured to shift laterallytoward the second position, the first biasing member is configured tolaterally bias the first slide button and the first latch toward thesecond position, the second slide button is configured to shiftlaterally toward the second position, and the second biasing member isconfigured to laterally bias the second slide button and the secondlatch toward the second position.
 13. The adjustable keyboard of claim12 wherein each of the first and the second pivot pins include a grooveformed about a circumference thereof, and each of the first and thesecond latches comprise a concave portion, the concave portionsconfigured to rotatably engage the grooves for pivotably coupling thefirst and the second keying modules to the base assembly, respectively.14. An adjustable keyboard comprising: a base assembly having a bottomportion configured to rest on a supporting surface, the base assemblyhaving an upper surface with a raised central portion relative toopposing first and second lateral ends of the base assembly, to formopposing tenting angles with respect to the supporting surface duringuse; a first keying module having a proximal end and a distal end withrespect to a user, an outer lateral end laterally opposing an innerlateral end, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portionbeing configured to operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon andthe lower portion being configured to be positionable adjacent a firstportion of the upper surface of the base assembly extending between theraised central portion and the first lateral end; a second keying modulehaving a proximal end and a distal end with respect to the user, anouter lateral end laterally opposing an inner lateral end, an upperportion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured tooperatively retain a plurality of keys thereon and the lower portionbeing configured to be positionable adjacent a second portion of theupper surface of the base assembly extending between the raised centralportion and the second lateral end; a first coupling member configuredto pivotably couple the first keying module to the base assembly toallow the user to selectively pivot the first keying module toward andaway from the second keying module for separating the proximal end ofthe first keying module from the proximal end of the second keyingmodule and forming a desired splay angle between the inner lateral endsof the first and the second keying modules; a second coupling memberconfigured to pivotably couple the second keying module to the baseassembly to allow the user to selectively pivot the second keying moduletoward and away from the first keying module for separating the proximalend of the second keying module from the proximal end of the firstkeying module and forming, or contributing to, the desired splay anglebetween the inner lateral ends of the first and the second keyingmodules; a first hinge plate hingedly coupled to the base assembly andconfigured to couple to the first keying module; a first spacing memberconfigured to be movable between a first orientation in which the firsthinge plate and the first keying module are positionable adjacent thefirst portion of the base assembly, and at least a second orientation inwhich the first hinge plate and the first keying module are spaced at anangle apart from the base assembly, the first hinge plate having atleast one engagement structure configured to releasably retain thespacing member at a corresponding angular orientation for retaining thefirst keying module at a corresponding angle with respect to the baseassembly to increase the tenting angle of the first keying module; asecond hinge plate hingedly coupled to the base assembly and configuredto couple to the second keying module; and a second spacing memberconfigured to be movable between a first orientation in which the secondhinge plate and the second keying module are positionable adjacent thesecond portion of the base assembly and at least a second orientation inwhich the second hinge plate and the second keying module are spaced atan angle apart from the base assembly, the second hinge plate having atleast one engagement structure configured to releasabley retain thespacing member at a corresponding angular orientation for retaining thesecond keying module at a corresponding angle with respect to the baseassembly to increase the tenting angle of the second keying module. 15.An adjustable keyboard comprising: a base assembly having a bottomportion configured to rest on a supporting surface, the base assemblyhaving an upper surface with a raised central portion relative toopposing first and second lateral ends of the base assembly, to formopposing tenting angles with respect to the supporting surface duringuse; a first keying module having a proximal end and a distal end withrespect to a user, an outer lateral end laterally opposing an innerlateral end, an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portionbeing configured to operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon andthe lower portion being configured to be positionable adjacent a firstportion of the upper surface of the base assembly extending between theraised central portion and the first lateral end; a second keying modulehaving a proximal end and a distal end with respect to the user, anouter lateral end laterally opposing an inner lateral end, an upperportion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured tooperatively retain a plurality of keys thereon and the lower portionbeing configured to be positionable adjacent a second portion of theupper surface of the base assembly extending between the raised centralportion and the second lateral end; a first coupling member configuredto pivotably couple the first keying module to the base assembly toallow the user to selectively pivot the first keying module toward andaway from the second keying module for separating the proximal end ofthe first keying module from the proximal end of the second keyingmodule and forming a desired splay angle between the inner lateral endsof the first and the second keying modules; a second coupling memberconfigured to pivotably couple the second keying module to the baseassembly to allow the user to selectively pivot the second keying moduletoward and away from the first keying module for separating the proximalend of the second keying module from the proximal end of the firstkeying module and forming, or contributing to, the desired splay anglebetween the inner lateral ends of the first and the second keyingmodules; a first palm rest configured to be removably coupled to theproximal end of the first keying module; and a second palm restconfigured to be removably coupled to the proximal end of the secondkeying module; wherein the first and the second palm rests couple to thefirst and the second keying modules, respectively, via a couplingstructure comprising at least one blade formed on each of the first andthe second palm rests, the at least one blade being configured toremovably engage at least one receptacle formed toward the proximal endof the first and the second keying modules, respectively, and whereinthe coupling structure further comprises a beveled boss formed in thelower portion and toward the proximal end of each of the first and thesecond keying modules, the beveled boss being configured to lockinglyengage a latch formed on the first and the second palm rests, allowingthe user to lift the adjustable keyboard via exerting a lifting force toat least one of the palm rests.
 16. An adjustable keyboard comprising: abase assembly having a bottom portion configured to rest on a supportingsurface, the base assembly having an upper surface with a raised centralportion relative to opposing first and second lateral ends of the baseassembly, to form opposing tenting angles with respect to the supportingsurface during use, and the base assembly comprising a proximal basemodule slidably coupled to a distal base module, with respect to a user,to allow the user to extend the proximal base module toward the user; afirst keying module having a proximal end and a distal end with respectto a user, an outer lateral end laterally opposing an inner lateral end,an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configuredto operatively retain a plurality of keys thereon and the lower portionbeing configured to be positionable adjacent a first portion of theupper surface of the base assembly extending between the raised centralportion and the first lateral end; a second keying module having aproximal end and a distal end with respect to the user, an outer lateralend laterally opposing an inner lateral end, an upper portion and alower portion, the upper portion being configured to operatively retaina plurality of keys thereon and the lower portion being configured to bepositionable adjacent a second portion of the upper surface of the baseassembly extending between the raised central portion and the secondlateral end; a first coupling member configured to pivotably couple thefirst keying module to the base assembly to allow the user toselectively pivot the first keying module toward and away from thesecond keying module for separating the proximal end of the first keyingmodule from the proximal end of the second keying module and forming adesired splay angle between the inner lateral ends of the first and thesecond keying modules; and a second coupling member configured topivotably couple the second keying module to the base assembly to allowthe user to selectively pivot the second keying module toward and awayfrom the first keying module for separating the proximal end of thesecond keying module from the proximal end of the first keying moduleand forming, or contributing to, the desired splay angle between theinner lateral ends of the first and the second keying modules.
 17. Theadjustable keyboard of claim 16 wherein the proximal base modulecomprises an elongated slot and the distal base module comprises aprotrusion configured to slidably position in the slot for slidablycoupling the proximal and the distal base modules.